Performance and energy supplements for horses can have a wide variety of purposes. A common aim is the support of energy production and metabolism, which means it will help your horse use the energy available to him in the most efficient way so that he can produce his best possible performance.
Some of the best energy supplements come in an paste form to use for a short-term boost – much like the best instant calmers – while others are designed to be fed daily and used over a longer-period of time. Here is a selection of the best energy supplements for horses that are currently available…
Best energy supplements for horses: what are your options?
NB: Cost per day/use has been calculated using the maintenance measure for a 500kg horse in medium work (where there was variation) and the RRP of the smallest available volume. Some products require you to feed more in certain situations, which will increase the cost per daily measure, while buying a larger volume will likely decrease it – these costs per day are a guide only.
‘Instant’ energy boosters for horses
NAF EnerG Shot
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 3 x 30ml
RRP: £26.99
Single measure: 30ml
Cost per use: £8.99
This is a concentrated nutritional blend of essential amino acids that supports fast release energy metabolism to support the increased need for energy at times of peak performance. EnerG Shot is designed for use when needed, so is ideal for competition or training and should be fed 1½–2 hours before required.
Equine America Xtra Boost Paste
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 30ml
RRP: £15.99
Single measure: 10ml
Cost per use: £5.33
This paste is formulated to support energy levels. It should be fed on the day of the event and the two days prior at a maximum of 10ml per day.
Science Supplements EnerGex Syringe
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 60g
RRP: £9.99
Single measure: 60g
Cost per use: £9.99
This safe source of carbohydrate can be used before, during and following exercise to support energy delivery, or as an energy booster in lethargic horses. If used prior to exercise it should be administered 15 mins before the start.
Cavalor An Energy Boost
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 50g
RRP: £14.16
Single measure: 50g
Cost per use: £14.16
This oral paste is a mix of high quality electrolytes, vitamins, amino acids, sugars and salt, which has been developed to give an extra energy boost before and during intense work and to aid speedy recovery. It should be administered 1–2 hours prior to exercise.
Foran Equine Pre-Fuel Gel
Form: Syringe paste
Sizes: 60ml, 3 x 60ml
RRP: £14.95
Single measure: 60ml
Cost per use: £14.95
This rapid energy paste contains essential BCAA’s (branched-chain amino acids) to maximise athletic performance, but is also available as a liquid for long-term use. It should be administered 1-2 hours prior to exercise and can also be used the day after for horses that need to recover and perform again within a short time frame.
Premier Performance Energy Cookies
Form: Cookie
Sizes: 5, 10, 15, 30, 240 or 600 cookies
RRP: £8.40 for 5
Daily measure: 1-2 cookies
Cost per day: £1.68 – £3.36
These convenient cookies are used to encourage a more energetic and active performance, and to support increased stamina, strength and recovery without causing short term fizz. They can be fed before (30mins prior), during and after competition, and two cookies can be fed for intense exercise. Also available as a powder.
Daily energy supplements
NAF EnerG
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 2l, 5l
RRP: £29.99 for 2l
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £0.45
Fortified with vitamins and trace elements, this fast-acting formula provides controlled levels of iron, copper and zinc, which helps to optimise energy metabolism.
Spillers Instant Energy
Form: Pellets
Sizes: 3kg
RRP: £46.99
Daily measure: 100g
Cost per day: £1.57
A unique formula containing rapid and moderately available carbohydrate sources and ginseng which is known as a ‘feel good’ herb, to encourage a focused and energetic performance.
Science Supplements EnerGex
Form: Powder
Sizes: 2kg
RRP: £39.99
Daily measure: 60–80g
Cost per day: From £1.20
This can be used before, during and after exercise to support energy delivery. It can also be used as an energy booster in lethargic horses and to maintain blood glucose levels in situations where food intake is decreased, such as during travelling or when appetite is reduced. It is low-glycaemic, which means it leads to a slower rate of glucose entry into the blood, avoiding high peaks and sudden drops in blood glucose levels, which leads to a more balanced and prolonged energy supply.
Equine America Xtra Boost Hemogen
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l
RRP: £42.99
Daily measure: 30ml
Cost per day: £1.29
A complementary feed supplement that supports healthy red blood production for horses in hard work. It contains a specialist and highly absorbable form of iron, which is supported by B vitamins and accompanied by active water soluble vitamins and minerals to maximise energy and stamina.
Global Herbs Restore
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 500ml, 1l, 5l
RRP: £27.95 for 500ml
Daily measure: 10ml
Cost per day: £0.56
This quick-acting formula helps to maintain peak condition, support efficient digestion and bring out natural shine. It contains specific liver tonic herbs that target metabolism. Also available as a powder.
Maxavita Maxapower
Form: Powder
Sizes: 900g
RRP: £29.85
Daily measure: 25g
Cost per day: £0.83
This muscle and energy supplement is full of essential amino acids to encourage muscle growth and strength, in addition to supporting stamina and recovery. It is designed to support and maintain healthy circulation and promote optimal muscle function in hard-working horses.
Equitop Myoplast
Form: Pellets
Sizes: 1.5kg
RRP: £87.83
Daily measure: 50g
Cost per day: £2.93
A unique amino acid supplement specifically designed to support lean muscle growth, which helps horses to respond and cope with the demands of training.
Synovium Red & Gold
Form: Liquid
Sizes: 1l, 5l
RRP: £22.50 for 1l
Daily measure: 60ml
Cost per day: £1.35
This helps provide lasting performance when it is most needed – suitable for use at competitions or when extra performance is required.
Rowen Barbary Power
Form: Powder
Sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 5kg, 10kg
RRP: £14.55 for 1kg
Daily measure: 50g
Cost per day: £0.73
Targeted energy-boosting powder for performance horses in moderate to hard work, or those with low energy or appetite. It optimises stamina, recovery, and immune health with vitamins, essential amino acids, and high antioxidants.
How to choose the best energy supplements for horses
The best energy supplement for your horse all depends on what you’re trying to achieve. Some supplements are formulated to give an instant, one-off energy boost – these are usually in syringe paste form – while others, however, are designed to provide a daily boost. Other performance supplements don’t target energy production specifically, but instead they provide nutritional support for horses with increased energy requirements. They are formulated to optimise energy efficiency, support cellular functions, and promote muscle growth and repair.
If you compete with your horse then it is important you make sure any supplements you use do not contain any prohibited substances. It’s also wise to trial using an energy supplement at home, rather than giving it a go for the first time at a competition, so that you know how your horse is likely to react.
If you are looking at feeding an energy supplement to your horse, it’s important to acknowledge that while it can help the horse to function and perform at his best, it’s not going to turn him into a world-beater overnight or solve any underlying veterinary problems.
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